Meet the Women Driving Dupahiya: The Creative Forces Behind This Small-Town Drama

As Dupahiya revs up for its highly anticipated premiere on Prime Video on March 7, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the powerhouse women who have been instrumental in crafting this unique and heartwarming story. Set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, the series unravels the chaos that ensues when a prized ‘Dupahiya’ (motorbike) is stolen— just as the village prepares to celebrate 25 years of being crime-free. With a wedding on the horizon, a silver jubilee trophy at stake, and the villagers’ pride teetering on the edge, the stage is set for an exhilarating mix of comedy, drama, and small-town charm.

Dupahiya, which is the first series created and produced by Bombay Film Cartel, takes forward Prime Video’s endeavor of backing fresh talent. The creative vision of the series being steered by creators and executive producers: Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani. Salona Bains Joshi holds the honour of being the first student from India to be selected into this prestigious Producer’s Program at UCLA and was also a part of the theatrical blockbuster ABCD2 and the rib-tickling direct to streaming horror comedy Kakuda. Shubh Shivdasani has been part of highly acclaimed film Barfi, directed by Anurag Basu which was also selected as India’s entry to the Oscars that year. They collectively worked on various acclaimed projects before Dupahiya, including Uri: The Surgical Strike, The Sky is Pink, Lust Stories, Sonchiriya and Kedarnath. Dupahiya is their first independent project.

Speaking of her experience on Dupahiya, creator and producer Salona Bains Joshi said, “India’s heartland is a treasure trove of stories, and at Bombay Film Cartel, we resonate with ideas that are both accessible and impactful. Showrunning and producing Dupahiya has allowed us to bring together an exceptional cast and crew. With Sonam’s skillful direction, we have brought to life the pages that Avinash and Chirag have written so wonderfully. Prime Video has wholeheartedly believed in and supported us in bringing this family entertainer to life.”

Creator and producer Shubh Shivdasani added, “Our journey as showrunners has been incredibly fulfilling. Bringing together the right creative forces, who have given their absolute best, has made Dupahiya a true entertainer. Sonam’s direction brought to life the script penned by Avinash and Chirag, making Bombay Film Cartel’s debut production a dream come true. With Prime Video’s unwavering support, we believe we have a true winner on our hands.”

Guiding the series with a masterful touch is director Sonam Nair, known for her work in Masaba Masaba, whose keen eye for storytelling seamlessly blends humor, drama, and small-town quirks into an irresistible watch. The director spoke about her experience on the series, stating, “When Shubh and Salona called me to direct this incredible script, written by Avinash and Chirag, I was so excited and so grateful. Dupahiya is unlike anything I had been offered before, and I dived into this heartland comedy with the hope that I can do justice to it. It was a blessed journey from the start as we got together a bunch of extremely talented actors, all perfect for their roles, along with the most passionate technicians all putting their best into this series. I have laughed nonstop from my first day on the series, and hopefully now the audience will laugh and love it as much as we have.”

Dupahiya is also defined by its powerful cast. At the heart of the ensemble are the remarkable women who have shaped its vision and characters with depth, nuance, and brilliance. Shivani Raghuvanshi, who essays the role of Roshni Jha, embodies a bride-to-be with an irresistible mix of innocence and resilience. Fun-loving, and lost in her own world, Roshni may appear carefree, but she knows exactly what she wants— and isn’t afraid to voice it. Matching her in presence and power is the legendary Renuka Shahane who plays Pushplata, the strong-willed yet endearing ‘sarpanch’ of Dhadakpur. With warmth and authority, she commands every scene, making her character a true force to be reckoned with.

Boasting a stellar cast featuring Gajraj Rao, Bhuvan Arora, Sparsh Shrivastava, Yashpal Sharma, and more, the series promises a delightful ride brimming with distinct characters, razor-sharp humor, and heartfelt moments. But at its very soul, Dupahiya is driven by an incredible league of women—both in front of and behind the camera—whose talent, vision, and creativity make them the driving force behind this compelling tale– true ‘Superwomen’ in every sense.

Dupahiya is also co-created and written by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg. Mark your calendars as Dupahiya is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on March 7.